6-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna to Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv

On day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Varna, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Varna, there’s no need to rush. Experience Varna, Balchik, and Kavarna to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Awaiting your discovery is the frequently visited Archaeological Museum Varna, a heritage-rich museum in Varna. Next, go to Varna Zoo.

After visiting Archaeological Museum Varna and Varna Zoo, have a stroll along Varna's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Aladzha Monastery. This picture-perfect monastery offers a unique experience.

Set your GPS to Balchik and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Balchik beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Balchik Botanic Garden and explore the romantic features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Balchik and set your GPS to Kavarna. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 40 min. Upon reaching Kavarna, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Kaliakra, a popular cliff that everyone visiting Kavarna should see.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Varna.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Varna's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at di Wine, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try 100 Pizzas? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Morska terasa as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Varna.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Muffin Bar & Coffee offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Hey is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Deja Vu is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Varna’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Veliko Tarnovo. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 38 min. When you arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Park "sveta Gora", a beloved park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Monument To The Assen Dynasty and admire its awe-inspiring features.

When you’re ready, continue to Monument Of Mother Bulgaria, a worthwhile monument beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Marno Pole Park, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Tsarevets Fortress, a history-steeped place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

Upon reaching Gorna Oryahovitsa, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Park "children's Playground" is an underrated playground we recommend visiting today.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Restaurant "Ethno", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Tavern "Petleto" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Bell. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Famous Bar 2, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Grill Kolata provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Say good night to Veliko Tarnovo and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Kazanlak and Plovdiv are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Kazanlak and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kazanlak beckons with new experiences!

Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak is an up-and-coming archeological site we recommend visiting today. Discover its UNESCO world heritage-listed features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Plovdiv. This car ride takes around 1 hour 33 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis and explore the gorgeous features. Next, make your way to Old Town Of Plovdiv, another highlight in Plovdiv. When you’re done exploring the historical landmark, continue to Monument Of Unification, a breathtaking monument.

Nearby, you will also find “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This locally renowned park is a top place to see in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Plovdiv. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Rahat Tepe is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at KFC. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Plovdiv tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Rock Bar Download, known for its inviting atmosphere. North Star is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, and Nessebar. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Varna, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Plovdiv, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Asenovgrad. This drive usually takes around 29 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Asen's Fortress, an increasingly popular castle in Asenovgrad. Explore its history-steeped features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Asenovgrad, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bachkovo. This drive usually takes around 16 min.

Savor the day by heading to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a popular monastery that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nessebar. This car ride takes around 3 hours 1 min.

Savor the day by heading to Nesebar Archaeological Museum, a locally appreciated museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Church Of Christ Pantokrator, where you can soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Next, explore Church Of Saint Sophia, yet another underrated place to see in the area.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Varna, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Varna is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Varna.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Korean cuisine "Kimbap", a highly-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're eager to try something different, consider Mr Baba, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Chuchura Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Varna this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Cubo is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Gossip Bar Max, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Cafe-bar Vogue. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!